Hopkinton to hold hearing on trash law next month

HOPKINTON  When the Town Council meets next month, it will hold a public hearing on a new law regulating garbage on peoples properties.

According to a draft of the proposed law  titled A Local Law of the Town of Hopkinton Regulating Rubbish, Trash, Debris and Garbage  the purpose of the legislation is to promote a clean, wholesome and attractive environment; protect the community from potential hazards to property and persons; protect water resources; preserve the aesthetic qualities of the municipality; and to prevent the depreciation of properties in the community.

The law itself includes two sections  one regarding junkyards, and a second regulating where junk storage areas may be located:

n The town, as its option, may pass a resolution requiring a permit for a junkyard, except that no permit shall be required for junkyards in existence at the date of the adoption of this local law. In the event that the town adopts such a resolution, then no person shall establish a new junkyard unless a permit has first been issued for such junkyard pursuant to this law. All regulations to operate a junkyard will meet New York State requirements.

n Whether permitted or not, no junk storage area shall be located within 500 feet from the following: any adjoining property line, except that the setback from a public road shall be at least 50 feet; any public park, church, educational facility, nursing home, public building or other place of public gathering; any stream, lake, pond, wetland or other body of water.

Councilman Gilbert E. Sochia said if the new law works, it would be great. However, he questions how enforceable it will be.

If it works it will be good, he said.

Town Supervisor Susan M. Wood said the new law would give the towns code enforcement officer something to refer to when trying to get people to clean up their properties.

We have to have something for code enforcement to work with, she said. I personally think we need to have something on the book in case were ever challenged, but Im just one vote.

Mr. Sochia said he thinks the public hearing, which is required by law before a new law can be passed, is a good idea.

Gordon O. Jock, who was attending his last meeting as a town councilman, agreed.

I think more people should have a say in this than just the two or three of us, Mr. Jock said.

The hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. July 15.

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